This article considers sociocultural and linguistic aspects of children with learning disabilities in one region of Italy, noting the role of bilingualism and "standard" Italian language learning problems. The article examines legislative aspects; the roles of the school, hospitals, public services, and private institutes; and parental…

This comparison of regression discrepancy model results for learning disability identification used published IQ-achievement and reliability coefficients and generic, mean values. Use of mean IQ-achievement values resulted in higher discrepancy rates for a clinical sample. Use of both mean IQ-achievement and reliability values resulted in higher…

This study compared parent and teacher behavioral ratings for 77 children (ages 5-16) diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD/H), attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD/WO), or learning disabilities (LD). ADD/WO and LD children were rated similarly on symptoms of withdrawal and impulsivity but differed…

Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students (n=135) were administered the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale. Teachers and parents also rated the children's self-concepts. Teachers generally underestimated the self-concepts of average students and students with learning disabilities but overestimated high achieving students' self-concepts.…

This article describes various types of allergies, how they are diagnosed medically, and the different forms of medical treatment. It also considers how allergies may affect school learning and behavior, the connection between allergies and learning and behavioral disorders, the impact of allergy medications upon classroom performance, and various…

This article describes an integrated program in marine biology. The program was implemented in a nongraded inclusive setting with second- to fourth-grade students whose abilities ranged from gifted to learning disabled. The program integrated science, art, music, language arts, and research and computer skills. (DB)

This study compared traditional instruction (basal approach) with an interactive instructional conversation (IC) approach for enhancing the language and concept development of five Hispanic students (ages 7-9) with learning disabilities. Proximal measures indicated higher levels of discourse and greater participation with IC, whereas distal…

A survey of 15 optometry schools investigated degree of compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, concerning accommodation of students with disabilities, particularly in regard to students with learning disabilities. Results indicate institutional policy is made at a different level than that at which it is implemented.…

This paper describes experiences in teaching writing skills to elementary gifted students with learning disabilities. Journal writing and word processing are found to be powerful tools in improving student writing while increasing students' self-confidence. Guest speakers, daily reading aloud by the teacher, and field trips to enrich students'…

The impact of a child's learning disability on the family system is explored using Feuerstein's concept of mediated learning experience. Four prototypical patterns of family response are identified, with descriptions of the mediational restrictions and potentialities embedded within them. (DB)

The career implications of recent economic and labor market trends in Canada are reviewed and then contrasted with the characteristics of learning disabilities and the applicability of current career counseling practices to the learning disabled. General guidelines for adapting career interventions to make them accessible to clients with learning…

Deficits common among secondary students with learning disabilities or mathematics deficiencies are considered, along with a strategy to teach upper level mathematics, such as algebra or calculus. The strategy involves use of a mentor to help students to comprehend mathematics vocabulary, develop their own problem-solving strategy, and create a…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities identifies three difficulties with the inclusion concept: (1) its noneducational nature; (2) its displacement of the uniqueness of special education; and (3) its promulgation of bankrupt conceptions of accountability. (Author/DB)

Fourteen holistic, meaning-based reading and writing activities appropriate for students with learning disabilities are described, along with the theoretical background of the paradigm. As children experiment, approximate, and discover language naturally and socially, their immersion in authentic spoken and written language facilitates learning to…

This study examined the effects of a highly structured, personally tailored enrichment program for 108 students in grades 4 through 6 who were gifted and learning disabled. Results indicate that year-long participation in the program had significant positive impact on attitudes toward school, self-concept, and creative production. (Author/SW)